Microsoft and Open Data

Makes sense to have data open so it can be used to mine for solutions and alternatives.   Best practices in making this data findable and easily usable is also very useful.

Microsoft Throws Weight Behind Open Data Movement
Financial Times
Richard Waters

Microsoft has announced its support for the open data movement, urging governments and companies worldwide to share more data to ensure “digital power” is not concentrated in the U.S., China, and a handful of major technology companies. Microsoft pledged to make some of its own data available more widely, while developing standardized tools and legal frameworks to help others do the same. Microsoft president Brad Smith said the latest artificial intelligence innovations have raised the stakes, giving rise to "a looming data divide" that threatens to leave behind countries and companies with less access to data. Microsoft’s Jennifer Yokohama said the company is working on a shareable “live repository of best practices and resources,” along with “proof of concept initiatives to demonstrate how we can do open data better to really solve key societal challenges.”  ... '